Mike Farrell, manager of the council's community safety unit, said he would speak to individual residents about possible solutions.

"There have been some problems in the past, depending on whether roads and lanes are adopted or not," he said.

He emphasised that his unit was working closely with the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team and the police, to tackle any problems swiftly.

The number of community safety officers was to increase, meaning each township in the borough would soon have its own officer.

A number of residents and councillors stressed that there were plenty of good children in the area, but there was little open space for them. One or two influential trouble-makers could get other youngsters involved in mischief.

One problem was the common perception that Lees, and especially Saddleworth were prosperous areas where youngsters had everything they needed. But the reality was less rosy, speakers said.

Mr Farrell admitted the increasing number of domestic burglaries was a particular problem across Oldham. The authorities were determined to tackle such crime, particularly repeated burglaries on individual homes.